Long Live Punjabi Culture!

This website seeks to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Punjabi people. Punjab is a region in Northern India and the East part of Pakistan. Its name is derived from the fact that five rivers flow through it (Punj = five, Aab = rivers). The region has a proud history including an old civilization that endured numerous upheavals. Although the courageous people of the Punjab encountered tremendous challenges, they always kept their high spirits and maintained their traditions. Indeed, many major religious philosophies were born and nourished in the region. Punjab Online provides an interactive forum and informational resource on Punjabi culture.

Jasjeet Singh Thind

In 1997, I had the privilege of working on the website for the renowned and Australia's only aboriginal band named Yothu Yindi. I enjoyed the work a lot, and in the process, was afforded the opportunity to learn about the Australian aboriginal tribal culture. This experience made me even more conscious of the paucity of Punjabi related resources on the Internet. Learning about the aboriginal culture and history inspired me to learn more about my own Punjabi roots.

I started Punjab Online in July 1997. The original website contained a Bhangra DJ-Mixer, few audio clips, and some articles and links. Since then, I have worked hard to provide what was not available on the Internet, namely a forum for people to interact and to learn about the Punjabi culture. All along my goal was to conceive a site that provides entertainment and culture, yet at the same time, exposes people to serious issues. Given that I was a full-time student who also worked part-time, I was unable to devote as much time as I would have liked to the project. However, over the years, I have kept updating, reshaping, and expanding the site to the very best of my abilities.

I currently live in Seattle, Washington. I like performing Bhangra and was involved in starting a team at my university. I also enjoy playing and watching basketball, reading historical literature, and, once in a while, spending time in the great outdoors. Because of my deep interest, passion, and facination with Punjab, I also work hard to update and improve this website. Feel free to contact me through Punjabster as I enjoy meeting new people or getting feedback.

Credits for Contributers

Punjab Online is a hurculean task that takes up a lot of time and effort. There are many people who have contributed in promoting the Punjabi spirit through this website. I would like to thank them here:

Kulbir & Khushdev Thind -- These are my parents. They worked on the Japji Sahib pages, created the Punjabi fonts, and created the data for the Punjabi dictionaries.

Tarun Subrahmanian -- My close friend, he is the graphics expert! He created the official Punjab Onlie logo and other various images throughout the site. Recently, he helped test and provided design ideas for Punjab Online Punjabster.

Clint Kelly IV -- Also a very close friend of mine, he co-authored the history of Bhangra article, and recently he tested and provided great design ideas for Punjab Online Punjabster.

Chirag Patel -- My good friend, he helped do testing for Punjab Online Punjabster.

Sachin Kheterpal -- Another close buddy of mine, he wrote album reviews, researched artists, and helped contribute to various content.

Sardar, Professor Atamjit Singh -- Currently teaching Punjabi at San Jose State University, he wrote articles on Punjabi history.

Silke Sookraj -- A friend, she helped edit various content throughout the site.

Sardar Lakhbir and Manjit Thind -- My relatives in Punjab. They helped me collect photographs and information.

Sardar Tarlochen Singh -- He helped provide content for the history of Punjab content.

In addition, thanks to those who have consistently promoted intellectual thoughts through the various interactive forums such as the discussions and theme page. There is plenty of additional work to do, and if you would like to help, please send me a note through Punjabster.